Nigerians have become the largest group of asylum seekers in Ireland, according to new figures from the Department of Justice.
Nigeria has emerged as the top source of asylum seekers in Ireland, recent data from the Department of Justice shows.
The report revealed Ireland received 1,164 new asylum applications in July 2025, down from 1,735 in July 2024. Between January and July 2025, applications totaled 7,207, marking a 42 percent decline year-on-year.
Nigeria led with 1,083 applications, followed by Pakistan (945), Somalia (933), Afghanistan (767), and Georgia (462).
The report also noted a significant reduction in Ireland’s backlog of asylum claims, dropping from 23,863 cases in September 2024 to 18,323 by July 2025.
Authorities concluded 1,755 cases in July 2025 compared to 1,294 in July 2024. However, the department said figures remain provisional and subject to updates.